Could David Villa be on his way to New York?

David Villa has emerged as a shock transfer target for the new MLS franchise New York City FC and the Spaniard could be set to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

Reports in Spain suggest he is close to agreeing a three-year contract with the New York City side who share the same owners as English Premier League club Manchester City.

Former director of Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain now of Manchester City, persuaded David Villa to leave Valencia and join the Catalan giants in 2010, and will be a huge influence on him joining the New York club.